Anatomy of Cubital fossa


INTRODUCTION:

Cubital fossa is the triangular depression present at the anterior part of the elbow. Many nerves, veins, and tendons pass through this region. It is homologous with popliteal fossa present at the back of the knee in lower limb.


BOUNDARIES: 

  • Apex- It is formed by the point where the brachioradialis and pronator teres muscles intersect. It is directed downwards
  • Base- It is an imaginary line joining the medial and lateral epicondyles of humerus. It is directed upwards
  • Medially- Lateral border of pronator teres 
  • Laterally- Medial border of brachioradialis.


    Figure: Boundaries of cubital fossa 

    ROOF:
    It is formed by,
    FLOOR:
    It is formed by,
    • Brachialis
    • Supinator surrounds the upper part of the radius.
    CONTENT:
    • Median nerve- It gives branches to muscles flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor digitorum superficialis
    • Termination of brachial artery 
    • Beginning of radial and ulnar artery branches of radial artery- radial recurrent artery (superficial) and branches of ulnar artery- anterior ulnar recurrent, posterior ulnar recurrent and common interosseous  artery (Deep)
    • Tendon of the biceps brachii
    • Radial nerve- It descends downwards to reach cubital fossa, runs anterior to the lateral condyle of the humerus and gives the posterior interosseous nerve, which supplies extensor carpi radialis brevis and supinator.
    MNEMONIC FOR CONTENT - RTAM: Ready To Attempt Mock => R- radial nerve, T- tendon of biceps brachii, A- arteries, M- median nerve. 

    Figure: Anatomical structures of the cubital fossa

    CLINICAL IMPORTANCE:

    Thank you for reading. More Anatomy topics will be posted soon.
    written by Nithya sri - medical student interested in anatomy and medical education... 🩻🩺

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